The Conneaut Public Library Youth Department is happy to host local author Beth A. Simpson in November with her newest publication, “I’m Your Raisin: A Foster and Adoption Story”. She will be doing a special reading of the book on Wednesday, November 12th, at 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Readers may purchase the book and have it signed by Beth. Parents and children are welcome!  

“Every child's story is unique, and sometimes it takes two families to create one special life. This book celebrates the love of those who give us life and those who guide us through it, showing that family is built not only by birth but by the love that raises us. Through compassion, understanding, and a sense of belonging, this story honors the beautiful bonds that make a family, and how every part of your journey helps you grow into the person you're meant to be.” – Amazon 

About Beth A. Simpson: 

I spent my childhood in Conneaut, and after high school, I went to college and embarked on adventures that took me to faraway places. Eventually, I returned to Conneaut after accepting a full-time job teaching science at Edgewood High School. 

Throughout the years, and through many exciting opportunities, I often daydreamed about writing children's books as a way to share my life experiences with others. I began jotting down these stories in my journal, and one day, my mother encouraged me to actually publish one. So, I chose one of my favorite Jeep stories and published my first book, Climbing, Creeping, Muddy Jeeping, in 2021. 

In 2020, I began the journey of obtaining a foster parent license. In February 2021, my daughter Raye was placed with me through the foster care system at just two years old. Later that same year, in August, my son Archie, who was just shy of a year old, also came into my care. 

Foster parents take placements knowing that the primary goal is reunification with biological families. However, for many different reasons, reunification is not always possible. That was the case for both my son and daughter. The specifics of their foster stories are theirs to tell. Still, as I navigated the difficult, often emotionally painful, yet deeply rewarding experience of being a foster parent, I learned many incredibly important lessons. 

I began to think about how I wanted to explain to my very young children the beginnings of their lives, parts they weren’t fully aware of, so they would grow up understanding that they were adopted, while also knowing that I love them unconditionally and beyond measure. I want them to understand that they are both who they were born to be, and who I will help them become. 

So, I wrote my first book about fostering and adoption, and I dedicated it to my two precious children. My hope is that reading it with them will help them understand their journey and feel fully connected to who they are.